In Memorium

In Memorium

The Monument

By: George Hahn, L.A.P.D

I never dreamed it would be meMy name for all eternityRecorded here at this hallowed placeAlas, my name, no more my face

“In the line of duty” I hear them sayMy family now the price will payMy folded flag stained with their tearsWe only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chestI sleep now in eternal restMy sword I pass to those behindAnd pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be meAnd with heavy heart and bended kneeI ask for all here from the pastDear God, let my name be the last

California Peace Officer's Memorial

2016

Sgt. Al Lopez

E.O.W 10/24/16

Sergeant Al Lopez passed away Monday, October 24, 2016. Sgt. Lopez died in a crash while responding to a pursuit. Sgt. Lopez was a 27 year veteran with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Lopez is survived by his wife and two children.

Sgt. Steven Owen

E.O.W 10/5/16

Sergeant Steven Owen was shot and killed in the Line-of- Duty in Lancaster, CA, on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, while answering a burglary report. Sgt. Owen was a 29 year veteran with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Owen is survived by his wife, three children and Mother.

2011

Deputy David Nelson

E.O.W 8/11/11

LASPA is saddened at the recent loss of one of our union members, Deputy David Nelson. Deputy Nelson was a 22-year-old veteran for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Unfortunately, on August 11, 2011, Deputy Nelson lost his life off duty in a traffic accident. He was laid to rest on August 18, 2011, in the city of Victorville. The LASPA Board of Directors and staff would like to express their condolences to Deputy Nelson’s family, friends, and fellow co-workers. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

2008

Deputy Randy Hamson

E.O.W 10/24/08

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Santa Clarita Valley Station lost one of their own in 2008. After a long and hard fought battle, Deputy Randy Hamson succumbed to injuries he sustained after being struck by a car in 2004.

Late in the evening of August 16, 2004, Deputy Hamson was conducting a follow-up investigation for a traffic collision that had occurred earlier in the shift on Sierra Highway. The portion of the road where deputies were conducting their investigation was poorly lit. Randy saw a vehicle driving with its headlights off and used his flashlight in an attempt to get the driver’s attention. As Deputy Hamson’s attention was drawn to that vehicle, he stepped forward and was suddenly struck by another vehicle coming toward him. The driver of the vehicle that struck Randy never saw him before the collision occurred.

Randy was rushed to the hospital and treated for a significant head trauma and other injuries. In October of 2004, he was transferred to Casa Colina Hospital, a long term care facility in Pomona. Randy remained in their care until death became imminent. On the afternoon of October 24, 2008, Deputy Randy Hamson passed away.

October 30, 2008, friends, family, and fellow law enforcement officers gathered at Grace Baptist Church in Saugus to honor their fallen hero. Hamson was remembered as a diligent and hard working deputy, who was admired and respected by his fellow protectors and the community. He was a great partner, public servant, and friend. He is truly missed.

Hamson joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on March 23, 1999, and graduated the Sheriff’s Academy on August 27, 1999. He was assigned to Pitchess Detention Center – East Facility, until April of 2003, and then began his patrol service at Santa Clarita Valley Station in April of 2003.

Up until the time of the accident, Deputy Hamson resided in Simi Valley with his wife Cindy and their three children. Randy is also survived by his parents Jim and Carolyn Hamson, and his brothers Tim and Mike. His wife Cindy said what Randy always wanted to do was protect and serve the public – he lost his life fulfilling

Deputy Juan Escalante

E.O.W 8/2/08

Deputy Juan Escalante was shot and killed when he was confronted by two armed gang members in front of his home as he prepared to leave for work. Deputy Escalante drew his weapon and identified himself as a deputy before being fatally shot.

Deputy Escalante was assigned to the Men’s Central Jail and it is believed he may have been targeted by a gang as part of his duties. Two suspects were arrested in connection with his murder.

Deputy Escalante had served with the agency for 2.5 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

2007

Deputy Raul Gama

E.O.W 05/01/07

Deputy Gama was rear-ended while parked in his county vehicle at the intersection of Oxnard Street and Rhodes Avenue. Deputy Gama died on-duty as a result of a traffic collision in North Hollywood. The traffic investigation is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Deputy Gama is survived by his wife and four children.

Non-tax deductible donation can be made to the Gama FamilyPlease write a check payable to Sandra Gama and send it to:Major Crimes Bureau11515 So. Colima Rd., Bldg C111Whittier, CA 90604

2006

Deputy David Stan Piquette

E.O.W 07/07/06

It is with great sadness that the training bureau must relay the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and comrade, Deputy David Piquette assigned to leadership and training division/field operations training unit.

David was killed in a tragic traffic accident on the 91 freeway July 7, 2006.

Deputy Paul Wilms

E.O.W 03/30/06

Industry – Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Wilms, fatally shot himself accidentally while cleaning his weapon, in the Community Service Center at the department’s Industry Station.

The body of the 38-year-old man was discovered by a fellow deputy about 5 a.m. in an office at the facility in the 200 block of Hudson Avenue, said Deputy Oscar Butao of the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau. Wilms is survived by his wife, Regina; daughter, Jazmyne, 11; and son Kyle, 7

Deputy Maria Cecilia Rosa

E.O.W 03/28/06

On Tuesday, March 28, 2006, Deputy Maria Rosa, assigned to the Inmate Reception Center, was found shot in the City of Long Beach and subsequently died from her injuries.

Shortly after 6 A.M., a Long Beach Police personnel responded to the 2900 block of South Eucalyptus Avenue regarding a person down. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Rosa in front of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Rosa was immediately transported to a local hospital where she, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries.

Robbery appears to have been the motive, but Homicide Detectives are systematically investigating all possible leads. Currently, Long Beach Homicide Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating two possible suspects. Suspect #1 is described as a male Hispanic in his late teens to early twenties, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Suspect #2 is described as a male Hispanic in his late teens to early twenties. Both suspects were seen riding bicycles near the residence at the time of the incident. An unidentified bicycle was found near the scene.

Deputy Pierre W. Bain

E.O.W 03/23/06

Deputy Pierre Bain was killed in a motorcycle accident when he was attempting to pull over a speeding motorist.

Deputy Bain was following a speeding car at approximately 1730 hours when he entered the intersection of Avenue K and 20th Street on a green light. A car alongside him veered into his lane. Deputy Bain swerved to avoid the car, but the car just nipped the motorcycle, causing it to crash. The motorcycle hit a tree, and Deputy Bain was thrown off the bike and into another tree, then into another, and suffered massive injuries. He was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

2005

Deputy Jerry Ortiz

E.O.W 6/24/05

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy — a recently married father of two sons — died after a shooting Friday afternoon in Hawaiian Gardens, according to the sheriff’s department.

Gunfire was reported at about 3 p.m. in the Hawaiian Gardens area during an operation involving a uniformed gang enforcement deputy identified as Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Ortiz, according to sheriff’s officials. The location is about 10 blocks east of the 605 Freeway.

Authorities said a witness called 911 to report the shooting, which occurred after Ortiz knocked on the residence’s door, according to the sheriff’s department.

Ortiz was shot in the head, said Larry Waldie of the sheriff’s department. He was transported in a helicopter to UCLA-Medical Center.

As of 11 p.m. authorities were still searching for Jose Luis Orozco, 27, who is considered armed and dangerous. He is 5-feet-8 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, has a shaved head and is heavily tattooed. He was wearing knee-length shorts with white tennis shoes, according to the sheriff’s department.

Ortiz, 35, was a 15-year member of the sheriff’s department. He had been working with the gang enforcement team for the last five years. Sheriff’s department officials initially reported that a second deputy was shot, but authorities later said the responding deputy’s injuries were not caused by gunfire. Sheriff’s officials said the second deputy was injured when he fell.

That deputy was hospitalized at Tri-Cities Hospital.

A SWAT unit was dispatched to the area near Carson Street and Norwalk Boulevard. Deputies and at least one canine unit also were at the scene. Authorities said they believe they know the identity of the shooter but no suspects have been taken into custody.

UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy conducting a follow-up investigation in a gang case, authorities said today.

Jose Luis Orozco was arrested just before midnight yesterday, near where the shooting occurred in Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Don Manumaleuna said. No shots were fired when Orozco was taken into custody, he added.

Deputy James Tutino

E.O.W 01/26/05

cc was among 10 people killed Wednesday when a Metrolink commuter train struck a vehicle at a crossing, derailed and sideswiped another commuter train.

Tutino worked OSJ MCJ and was a well respected and admired Deputy. He served LASD for over 23 years and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.

A fund has been established to support the Tutino family in this time of need. Please make checks payable to the Tutino Memorial Fund, at any Washington Mutual Bank. Your contribution is truly appreciated

2004

Deputy Michael Arruda

E.O.W 06/15/04

Deputy Arruda died of a gunshot wound he received six days earlier when he was accidentally shot by another deputy.

Deputy Arruda and three deputies responded to a motel in Hacienda Heights on June 9, 2004, after receiving a call that someone was firing shots and threatening people. When the deputies arrived, they went to the unit where the suspect was reported to be staying. As they walked toward the unit, the suspect exited carrying a pellet pistol that closely resembled a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun. The suspect began firing at the deputies. The deputies returned fire, killing the suspect. One of the rounds fired by the deputies struck Deputy Arruda in the neck, seriously wounding him.

Deputy Arruda was removed to Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he remained until his death six days later.

Deputy Arruda had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years. He is survived by his son, daughter, fiancée, parents, brother, and sister.

2003

Deputy Stephen Sorensen

E.O.W 08/02/03

Deputy Stephen Sorensen, a 12-year veteran, was killed after following up on a trespassing call shortly after 12:30 p.m. near Highway 138, east of Palmdale. A witness reported hearing about a half dozen gunshots and called authorities. Deputies at the scene located Sorensen’s unoccupied patrol car, and found Sorenson’s body nearby within an hour. Authorities were searching Sunday for a man they believe may have witnessed the shooting following a struggle in the desert.

The deputy had been shot in the upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene. It was unclear whether he had been in a gun battle with the suspect or if he was ambushed. The hazmat team rolled out nearby the location where the incident took place regarding a possible meth lab. Deputies were trying to locate a 52-year-old man who lives in the area and may have witnessed the shooting. The man was not believed to have been involved in the shooting. Sheriff’s investigators were being assisted in their search by the California Highway Patrol, a SWAT team and a bomb squad.

The vehicle was registered to a Donald Charles Kueck, 52, who had a lengthy criminal record, including arrests for resisting arrest and assault on a peace officer. Kueck was later located at his home, where he engaged deputies in a fire fight. Tear gas was fired into the house, setting the house on fire and burning it to the ground. A burned corpse was located in the ashes, later identified as the remains of Kueck. Prior to the fire fight, Kueck admitted in a phone call that he had shot and killed Deputy Sorensen. Deputy Sorensen leaves his wife Christine, an adult son, and an adopted 2 year old son.

2002

Deputy David Powell

E.O.W 11/30/02

ARTESIA – A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy wounded in a shooting in Artesia this morning died later at a Lynwood hospital, the sheriff’s department reported. David Powell, 42, an 18-year veteran of the department, was pronounced dead at St. Francis Medical Center at 11:40 a.m., said Deputy David Cervantes.

An emotional Sheriff Lee Baca broke the news at an afternoon news conference at the hospital. As of 2:30 p.m., an intensive search continued for the shooter. The gunfire broke out before 11 a.m. near 167th Street and Elaine Avenue, said Cervantes. Powell, who was assigned to the Lakewood Station, and other deputies were investigating a report of shots fired at or near a residence. As Powell approached a home, he was shot in the right arm and the bullet traveled down the seam of his protective vest and entered his chest cavity, said Cervantes. He was rushed to the hospital but efforts to save his life were unsuccessful. Sheriff’s deputies initially said that two suspects were involved in the shooting. Cervantes said later that authorities were looking for only one suspect. “Powell was the only one who saw the shooter, if he did in fact see the suspect,” said Cervantes. A sheriff’s Special Weapons Team and canine units were brought in to look for the gunman. Powell, who lived in Torrance, leaves behind a wife and four daughters.

Deputy David March

E.O.W 04/29/02

The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Leroy D. Baca announced today that Deputy David March 33, a seven year veteran of the department assigned to Temple Sheriff Station was shot and killed while attempting to conduct a traffic stop at approximately 10:39 this morning. Deputy David March was a resident of Santa Clarita and is survived by his wife.

Deputy David March initiated the traffic stop at Live Oak and Peck Road. Irwindale. The driver of the vehicle exited his car an met the deputy halfway between the patrol car and the suspects vehicle. A confrontation ensued between the deputy and the suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and fired at the deputy several times striking him in the upper torso. The suspect fled the scene eastbound on Live Oak Avenue to southbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, and out of sight.

According to witnesses, it is believed that there were two other occupants in the suspect vehicle, which is described as a dark blue or black Nissan late 1980’s model with chrome rims. Homicide investigators are asking for the assistance of anyone who witnessed the incident to please come forward or call Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Sheriff Baca would like to express his condolence to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy March, and let them know the hopes and prayers of the entire department are with them. He would also like to thank those individuals who supplied information leading to the detention of one of the suspects. Investigators are exhaustively following up every other lead and will continue to do so until all perpetrators are brought to justice.